We have 2 Dyson uprights in the house. They are noisier, more cumbersome to use, more flimsy (plasticy), and heavier to use than the two Miele we have. We have a Miele cat and dog, and also the TT500 Blue coloured cylinder, I would never go back to the Dyson for the reasons mentioned earlier. I don't like having to pay for the bags, but the Dyson dust tank used to fill up with long coated gsd fur so quickly, and to have to go out to the wheelie bin all weathers and have the dust blow back into your face and eyes is no fun.
If repairs are needed, Miele send you a box one day, you pack it up and they collect the next day, repairs take just a few days. The bags hold and compress the dirt surprisingly well, so they do not work out that expensive I suppose. Woodchip litter can be tricky, but is picked up well by these machines, as well as the lightweight type of litter. i have heard good reports about the Sebo upright too, my sister has one and love it.